News & Events
News & Events
Workshop in Leer: Cognition in Daily Life - EMA/ESM Approaches
In February, we hosted a one-day workshop in Leer dedicated to the topic "Cognition in Daily Life - EMA/ESM Approaches." The workshop was funded by the University of Oldenburg and the University of Groningen and jointly led by PIs Mandy Roheger and Harriëtte Riese.
Around 20 researchers from different institutions and career stages gathered at the youth hostel in Leer to exchange ideas and discuss current developments in measuring cognition in everyday life using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and Experience Sampling Method (ESM) approaches.
Scientific Input and Exchange
The morning programme consisted of several short presentations addressing conceptual, methodological, and practical perspectives on assessing cognition in real-world contexts. Topics included innovative measurement approaches, ambulatory assessment tools, analytical challenges, and examples from ongoing empirical projects. The talks highlighted both the rapid methodological progress in the field and the conceptual complexity of capturing cognition as it unfolds in daily life.
The workshop format encouraged open discussion, critical reflection, and the development of new collaborative ideas.
Preparing the Fishbowl Discussion
A central goal of the workshop was to prepare an upcoming Fishbowl discussion scheduled for June. Participants worked together to identify and structure key themes for this event. The focus of the Fishbowl will be:
- Identifying key challenges and gaps in measuring cognition in daily life using EMA/ESM approaches
Through structured group discussions, participants outlined conceptual ambiguities, methodological limitations, validity concerns, feasibility challenges, and open theoretical questions. These insights will directly inform the structure and guiding questions of the June Fishbowl session.
Looking Ahead
The workshop in Leer provided an important platform for consolidating expertise and shaping future directions in the study of cognition in everyday life. We look forward to continuing the discussion in June and further strengthening the interdisciplinary network working on EMA/ESM-based cognitive research.
Second Workshop in Leer: Cognition in Daily Life – EMA/ESM Approaches
Our second ESMCCN workshop took place in Leer in July this year, funded by the University of Groningen and the University of Oldenburg. The workshop was organised by Mandy Roheger, Harriette Riese, Marlijn Besten and Selma Polte. The main activity of the day was a fishbowl discussion focusing on the topic of a common definition and guidelines for cognition in ESM research. This was accompanied by the sharing of scientific insights from a variety of backgrounds and followed by ideas for future projects.
Fishbowl Discussion
During a fishbowl discussion, part of the group sits in a small inner circle, facilitating close interaction, whilst the other group members sit in an outer circle and observe the debate. An empty chair within the inner circle allows members of both the inner and outer circles to join or leave the discussion.
The choice of a fishbowl discussion format facilitated an interactive, in-depth exchange of ideas and opinions, guided by our moderator Marie van Tol (University of Groningen) and our experts Florian Schmiedek (Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education), Fleur Domensino (Maastricht University), Yvonne Brehmer (Tilburg University), and Matthias Pillny (University of Hamburg).
Based on the results of the first workshop, four core topics were identified and addressed: the network members discussed subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning, the design of a well-structured EMA study, key clinical applications and outcomes, and the validity and ethical application of cognitive assessment in diverse populations. The discussion brought to light new ideas and perspectives, paving the way for a shared definition of cognition and a general framework for studying it within ESM research.
Further Objectives
The second part of the workshop consisted of a presentation on grant writing within a network. We focused on shared funding opportunities for collaboration between Oldenburg and Groningen and broadened our discussion to include funding within international networks. As the final item on the agenda, we brainstormed future projects in the form of a gallery walk. Members created posters showcasing their own expertise, skill sets and goals. The activity concluded with a walk around the room, allowing everyone to examine the posters, draw inspiration, share their thoughts with fellow members and engage in discussions about future projects.